Obviously not everyone goes to Spain with the project of buying a property, and it will often be necessary to go through the rental box. Whether it is temporarily the time to put down the cards or in the long term, Spain has its own rules that it is better to know in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Also, there are some real estate rental ad sites that I will detail for you. From the search for accommodation, to the contract, through the deposit, I explain everything to you to be able to find accommodation in Spain. How to find an apartment to rent in Spain? What are the steps for renting accommodation in Spain? I am Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I tell you everything about how to stay in Spain.
Accommodation search
Spain is a country that has modernized and most ads are now published online. Even if you are not there yet, it can be a good idea to get an idea of the prices and conditions offered.
Below you will find a selection of the best sites to search for an apartment in Spain.
Idealista www.idealista.com/en/): Idealista is quite popular and easy to use. Its main advantage is that it is possible to configure the site in English, which greatly facilitates research. Also, it is possible to choose precisely the place where you want to find a property.
Milanuncios (www.milanuncios.com/): Pioneers in the field of Internet classified ads in Spain, Milanuncios remains very popular in Spain and offers many apartment options that are updated daily. An equivalent of Craiglist.
Yaencontre (yaencontre.com): This is another important portal for Spanish real estate ads, only in Spanish but with many ads.
Fotocasa (fotocasa.es/en/): Fotocasa is a huge property classifieds site in Spain, and it is possible to have the English version.
It is recommended to visit the property in person or to go through a real estate agency to be sure to pay what you expected. Finally, in small villages or on islands, word of mouth remains one of the best options for finding a property.
Rental agreement
In Spain since 2019 the law on rental contracts has been modified and it cannot be less than 5 years. When the lease expires and if neither party sends notice, the lease is extended for a maximum period of 3 years. If the tenant wishes to leave the accommodation, he must give notice of at least 30 days before the final date of the contract.
In order for it to be regulatory, the Spanish rental contract must show the different names of the two parties, their identity document number or NIE for foreigners, the place of rental, its use, the amount of the rent and the duration of the contract.
You will know all about accommodation in Spain
You have to be careful because many Spaniards offer not to make a contract to pay in cash, in the interest for them of not declaring the income. I do not recommend it to you because without a contract the owner can decide to put you on the street overnight, without any means of defending you because without a contract.
Also, it is customary to make an inventory, whether at the entrance or at the exit of the accommodation. Remember to agree on the condition of the apartment when you take possession of it so as not to lose the deposit, by taking photos for example.
The price of rent can be reviewed every year, but following the CPI inflation index set by the Spanish government.
Deposit
As in other countries, Spanish landlords and agencies will require a deposit before they can take possession of the accommodation. In the official texts, the deposit requested cannot exceed one month's rent, or two if the purpose of the contract is not residential. The money from the deposit is deposited with an organization which is responsible for keeping the amount until the end of the contract.
In Spain and unlike other countries, the money from the deposit cannot be used to pay the last month's rent or for late rents. The purpose of the deposit is only to repair any physical and material damage.
At the end of the lease, the deposit is returned to the tenant, minus the costs for any damages. The tenant is obviously required to return the accommodation in the same condition as he received it.
